In brief

By Times staff reports

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 14, 2001

Area firefighters help New York firefighters

ZEPHYRHILLS -- The Zephyrhills firefighters union on Thursday began asking for donations to a fund that will aid New York City firefighters affected by Tuesday's terrorist attack.

Zephyrhills Professional Firefighters president Shawn Baptist said donations will be accepted any time, day or night, at either of the city's two fire stations. The money will be collected through Sept. 28, and then the fund will be consolidated and delivered to a firefighters' aid fund.

Hundreds of New York City police and firefighters are believed to be among the thousands of victims killed in the attacks on New York's World Trade Center.

"We talked about this yesterday, and it really was something we wanted to do," Baptist said Thursday. "We think a lot of people want to help, and this is something that can we can do."

Checks or money orders should be made out to Zephyrhills Professional Firefighters and can be delivered to either of the city's two fire stations.

In Dade City, firefighters are referring donors to a similar statewide effort organized by the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association. In that drive, also to benefit New York City rescue workers, donors are asked to deliver contributions to any SunTrust Bank for the New York City Fire & Emergency Services Relief Fund.

Donors urged to wait before donating blood

Citrus Regional Blood Center on Thursday urged would-be blood donors to consider waiting a while before giving blood. The blood supply is sufficient for now, the center reported.

Spokesman Greg First said in a news release that the center collected blood from about 2,000 donors this week, but donors will likely be needed in future weeks to provide continuing care for victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks.

The Citrus Regional Blood Center serves many Pasco hospitals and collects blood throughout the region. The Zephyrhills branch is at 38040 Market Square Drive.

First said the organization thanked 19 area businesses and agencies for supplying a variety of goods and services in support of the recent blood drives.

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